Queens of the Stone Age return with “…Like Clockwork”

2013 has seen its great share of fantastic music so far. The year keeps getting better, especially with the addition of “…Like Clockwork” from Queens of the Stone Age.

It’s been six long years since the last Queens of the Stone Age album. While their fans have been satiated with a release from the Homme led super-group ‘Them Crooked Vultures’, fans wanted Josh Homme to return to his full time gig– as front man for Queens of the Stone Age. What a return it is. Below is a track by track review of the new album from Queens of the Stone Age titled “…Like Clockwork”.

Queens of the Stone Age “…Like Clockwork”

Album Review

“…Like Clockwork” starts off with the grimy “Keep Your Eyes Peeled“. While its dirty guitar lulls you into a groove, the guitars kick in to keep you on your toes. The song is an excellent opener which gives the listener an excellent preview to what lies ahead.

Next up is the up tempo rocker “I Sat by the Ocean“. This song has a great groove and doesn’t overstay its welcome.

The third track on the record is “The Vampyre of Time and Memory” and it’s a low tempo spacey tune that the band has come to be known for. They don’t disappoint with this gem and its one of my favorite tracks on the album.

Dave Grohl joins the band for the groovy rocker “If I Had a Tail”.  This track has a bunch of guest stars (the aforementioned Grohl, Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees), Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys), and former bassist Nick Oliveri) to add to the sound. The break down is awesome in this song and includes a nice little organ as well. This is another great track on an album full of them.

“My God is the Sun” is up next and this track RULES. The song begins with a riff that would sound perfect coming out of a mariachi band. Then the drums kicks in and all hell breaks loose. Seriously, this is a fun jam.

Starting off the 2nd half of the album is “Kalopsia” and it’s one of the weirdest track on the album. While it isn’t as easily accessible as some of the other tunes, it does have its own charm. Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails guests on this track, but I couldn’t really pick him out on it.

On an album full of guest stars, the next tune (“Fairweather Friends“) takes the cake. Sir Elton John makes an appearance on vocals and piano. There is some nice intricate guitar work from Homme and Grohl provides some excellent drumming as well.

“Smooth Sailing” is a track that provides the funk. You might find yourself involuntarily swaying to this track as the band lays down some swampy guitar and gritty playing all-around.

My favorite track on the entire album is up next. “I Appear Missing” is the longest track on the album and provides the band some space to display all of their talents. You name it, it’s on this track. Falsetto voice? Check. Hooky guitar riffs? Check. (etc….etc…). I can’t wait to hear them do this track live to see if they can recapture the awesomeness of the studio version. Sweet-ass song.

The very pretty title track  “…Like Clockwork” closes the album out. I enjoyed the rather lullaby-esque sound this one has in the beginning. While initially a quiet song, it builds and builds and builds…and then breaks.

Queens of the Stone Age have produced great albums…well like clockwork. Their new record “…Like Clockwork” is no exception and it stands with the rest of their catalog as an equal.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Purchase the new album at Amazon here or at iTunes here.